Aafaque Hussain highlights the involvement and participation of the youth in championing the cause of Islamic faith during the holy month of Ramadan running up to the celebrations of Eid ul-fitr.
Its that time of the years when Muslim faithful in Shillong along with the rest of the world are gearing up to celebrate the essence of Eid ul-Fitr after observing a period of fasting during the month long Ramadan in which Muslims fast from dawn (Fajr) till dusk (Maghreb) and during which the practitioners observe the principles of sacrifice, patience and charity with those that are less fortunate.
In the heart of Shillong’s diverse community lies a group of Muslim youth, deeply engaged in practising their faith and contributing to society. As we champion inclusivity and unity, it’s important to understand the significance of their involvement in Islamic practices.
In these modern times, where new thoughts and old beliefs often clash with each other, the Muslim youths in the state are leaving no stone unturned to spread the essence of Ramadan by involving themselves in charity and extending a helping hand to people not only from the community but to each and every needy person.
During Ramadan, every adult Muslim who possesses food in excess of their needs must pay zakat al-fitr for themselves and they have to shell out 2.5 percent of their savings in charity related works and there are many youths in the city and even in the state who ensure that 2.5 percent of their saving goes to the have- nots.
During the sacred month of Ramadan, Muslims observe Islamic customs that have been passed down through generations inspired by the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). They refrain from food and drink from sunrise to sunset and participate in additional night prayers known as Taraweeh. These acts of devotion not only deepen their spiritual connection but also foster discipline and self-restraint. The Quran, the holy book of Islam, encourages believers to uphold righteousness, as mentioned in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:183).
Moreover, Ramadan extends beyond personal devotion to enriching the community. Organisations like Seng Balang Islam, a respected NGO, play a crucial role in promoting moral values among the youth. Through events such as Dars e Quran gatherings, where young Muslims study and reflect on the teachings of their faith, they cultivate integrity and enlightenment. The Quran inspires believers to seek closeness to God and purify their souls, as highlighted in Surah Al-Isra (17:9).
The NGO said that people of all ages including children and especially the youths participate in many good practices all around the year but their magnitude of being compassionate and charitable reaches new heights during Ramadan.
Members of the Seng Bhalang Islam informed that during Ramadan, youths also participate in good deeds and charitable acts.
He also said those who can’t find whom to give the same donate it to NGOs that take the responsibility to distribute it to the poor through the youths, adding in this way, youths are also given the opportunity to understand the message of compassion, love and peace for everyone.
As Shillong has a dearth of religious institutions and orphanages, representatives of these religious institutions from across the country travel to the city for the collection of zakat, wherein people according to their will and abilities, offer their contributions.
It was also informed that some youth clubs and organisations in the city were also planning to host Eid meet programmes in the city on the occasion of eve where they intend to serve goods and rations to poor and downtrodden people since Ramadan and Eid is about helping others.
A group of boys who have named their organisation ‘Khidmat E Insaniyat’( Serving humanity) made plans to set up stalls in the Khyndailad (Police Bazar) area on the day of Eid so that they can distribute some eatables to people, and even though they waited a while for permission from the office of District Commissioner, they received in due time and they lived up to their word.
“By this way, we want to include everyone in our celebrations,” the young boys said.
Qaiser Raza, the Imam of Mohammadia Al Hussainee Mosque Shillong while talking about the involvement of the youths in the festive season for Muslims said that it is much better if youths of the community are connected to religion rather than roaming here and there as it would help the religion and even the country since it would help in spreading the message of peace and oneness.
“The youths need to spread the message of love and peace not only amongst us but with every mankind for the benefit of every soul,” he said
Now as the community also begins preparing for the Eid ul-Fitr after observing Ramadan where believers observe the fast of Ramadan and indulge in various activities of good deeds for the entire month, the community is expecting that in years to come, there will be peace and people will help the poor as much as possible.
Despite the challenges of daily life, Muslim youth demonstrate compassion through social visits to different families. These acts of kindness, inspired by the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), exemplify Islamic principles of brotherhood and empathy. The Prophet emphasised the importance of helping the less fortunate, as recorded in Sahih Bukhari, igniting a spirit of compassion within our community.
It is also learnt that youths also come together in different mosques and organise iftar feasts on some days of the Ramadan to ensure that everyone and even those who cannot afford get to enjoy delicacies.
Such iftar feasts are common in every mosque here during Ramadan.
With the end of Ramadan, arrives Eid ul-Fitr, which means ‘feast of breaking the fast’, and is observed globally by Muslims and the festival is celebrated with full pomp and gaiety in Shillong as well as in the entire state as it is a massive event in the Islamic calendar.
The celebration of Eid ul-Fitr begins rounding off the month of Ramadan among families and friends, with large spreads of inviting meals prepared in every house to mark the grandiosity of the occasion.
Image caption for distribution-
Khidmat E insaniyat (Serving Humanity) spreads the message of peace and joy on the occasion of Eid by disturbing food and drinks to passersby in Khyndailad.